Reverse Mass Drivers: Catching Surfaces Grazing Orbiting Spacecraft

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the theoretical concept of mass drivers, specifically focusing on their potential to catch orbiting spacecraft. Participants explore the feasibility of such systems and reference related concepts like the Ringworld braking system.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that if a mass driver can launch a vehicle, it could also theoretically catch one, prompting inquiries about relevant articles.
  • Another participant highlights a fundamental difference between launching and catching high-speed objects, inviting further clarification.
  • A participant humorously references the "javelin catch" not being an Olympic sport, implying complexities in catching objects at high speeds.
  • There is a repeated inquiry about articles related to mass drivers and catching surfaces, indicating a search for existing literature on the topic.
  • One participant speculates about the potential for a mass driver to catch a spacecraft, mentioning the risks involved and the possibility of mishaps that could damage the mass driver and its facility.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various viewpoints on the feasibility and risks of using mass drivers for catching spacecraft, with no consensus reached on the practicality of such systems.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully explored the assumptions underlying the mechanics of catching high-speed objects, and the discussion includes speculative elements without definitive conclusions.

DrHan
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If a mass driver could theoretically launch a vehicle then surely it could catch one too. Anyone know about articles related to mass drivers that refer to catching surfaces grazing orbiting spacecraft ?
 
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Welcome to PF.

There's at least one fundamental difference between launching a high-speed object ahd catching one. Can you speak to that difference?
 
Is this related to why "the javelin catch" is not an olympic sport?
 
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DrHan said:
Anyone know about articles related to mass drivers that refer to catching surfaces grazing orbiting spacecraft ?
Are you familiar with the Ringworld braking system?
 
DrHan said:
If a mass driver could theoretically launch a vehicle then surely it could catch one too.
That's SpaceX's next secret innovation. Elon was one his way home one evening, just daydreaming as Fully Autonomous Most Famous Level 7 Autopilot mode carried him along, and as the regenerative braking slowed his Model Z, he suddenly thought, "Hold on a minute..."

Seriously, I guess it could be done, theoretically, but it seems a dangerous game to play because any mishap is likely to demolish your expensive mass driver and probably the facility that powers it. And you just know there's going to be a mishap :nb)
 

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